The Southeast Asian country of Malaysia is known for its ancient culture, beautiful architecture, lush green forests, splendid beaches, and dynamic cities. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations for people who want to know about a unique culture, relax on beautiful beaches, or explore rainforests. More than 20 million tourists arrive in this exotic land every year. The experiences the country offers will depend on the time you visit Malaysia. So, if you are planning to visit Malaysia in March, you need to know everything about the country during this month of the year. This is a complete guide about exploring Malaysia in March.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Malaysia?
Yes. In fact, March-May is considered the shoulder season in Malaysia, and March is one of the best months to visit almost all of Malaysia. As Malaysia has a tropical climate, it rains almost throughout the year in the country. But March is the month when the rain is less, and the chances of experiencing clear, blue skies are greater. The coast is also calmer during this time of the year. As March is still spring season in Malaysia, the tourist crowds are lesser during this month. So, you get to enjoy the attractions and activities without waiting in queues for long hours. However, you may have to experience high humidity in March, especially in the cities on the Western coast. But the presence of air-conditioners in most indoor attractions can solve this problem.
Weather in Malaysia in March
Malaysia is situated right on the equator, due to which the country has hot and wet climate throughout the year. The Malaysia weather in March will depend on the area you are visiting. The western part of the country is sunny and warm during this time, while the eastern side remains drier. For instance, if you are planning to visit Kuala Lumpur, prepare for hot weather, although the chances of occasional rain are also high. Western coast islands like Penang and Langkawi have warm and sunny days in this month. On the other hand, the islands on the eastern coast including Tioman, Redang, and Perehentian remain drier during this month. For cooler weather and lower Malaysia temperature in March, you can head to the Cameron Highlands or Mount Kinabalu.
- Temperature: Low: 23-degree C; High: 33-degree C
- Humidity: 77% to 82% (High humidity)
- Chance of Rain (%): 35% to 59%
- Daylight (Hrs): 12+ hours
- Sunrise: 7:22 AM
- Sunset: 7:26 PM
Things to do in Malaysia in March
Go on a Wildlife Safari in Borneo
March is the best time to go on a wildlife safari in Borneo. Located in the east of Malaysia, Borneo is an island that Malaysia shares with Indonesia and Brunei. The rich, lush green forests of Borneo are a treasure trove of a wide variety of flora and fauna. The land is home to several nature parks where you can go on a wildlife safari. Kinabatangan Wilde Sanctuary, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and Deramakot Forest Reserve are some of the forest reserves here. Some of the exotic wildllife you get to see here in the forests of Borneo are wild orangutan, pygmy elephant, leopard cat, flying lemur, otter civet, flying squirrel, and more.
Explore the Underwater World of the Perhentian Islands
Located on the east coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands is not only known for its clear, blue waters and breathtaking beauty but also for its abundant marine life. Under the waters surrounding the Perhentian Islands, you will discover a rich bed of coral reefs and an amazing array of fishes. It is believed that these islands are home to more than 200 species of fish, including sharks, rays, turtles, clown fish, barracuda, and more. The Perhentian Islands are the perfect place in Malaysia to indulge in scuba diving and snorkeling. The best diving sites here are Tokong Laut, Terumbu Tiga (T3), Sugar Wreck, Tanjung Betong, Vietnamese Wreck, etc.
Go on a Food Tour in Penang’s Georgetown
One of the reasons why people visit Malaysia is its food. The Malaysian cuisine is the perfect blend of Indian, Malay, and Chinese cuisines, although you would also find some remnants of indigenous cultures and traditions too. As a tourist, you may find it difficult to find restaurants and joints that serve authentic Malaysian food. This is the reason why going on a food tour is one of the best things to do in Malaysia. The best place for a food tour in Malaysia is in Penang’s Georgetown. A good, guided food tour will take you to the best restaurants and even small joints that you may not explore on your own to get you the chance to taste the best of the Malaysian cuisine. Satay skewers, rice noodles, chicken curries, dumplings, laksa, etc., are a few things you will get to taste here.
Join a Cooking Class in Kuala Lumpur
If going on a food tour is not enough for you, and you want to take the flavors of Malaysian cuisine with you, enrolling yourself for a cooking class is a good idea. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur offers several cooking classes where the participants get to learn about the techniques of authentic Malay cooking. Hosted by professional chefs, these cooking classes include exploring the markets and herb and spice gardens to pick and choose the best ingredients and their importance in the Malaysian cuisine. These classes are usually held in small groups where you get hands-on cooking experience, where you get to learn one or more recipes through the step-by-step method. These classes end with a tasting session, where you get to taste the dishes.
Visit the Batu Caves
The Batu Caves is one of the most significant natural, cultural, and religious places in Malaysia. Dating over 400 million years, the Batu Caves is a huge complex of limestone hills and caves, surrounded by lush greenery. In the 19th century, these caves were converted into Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Murugan, whose huge statue stands at the entrance of the cave. To reach the cave temples, you have to climb up 272 multicolored stairs but what you get to see inside the caves is worth every effort. The caves are massive, with the ceiling height reaching up to 100 meters, and the sunlight filtering through its various openings gives it an ethereal look. Each of the caves here are home to Hindu statues, shrines, and altars.
Places to See in Malaysia in March
Kuala Lumpur
The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural city where modern towers, colorful street markets, and natural landscapes co-exist together. The city is home to numerous landmarks that are a symbol of modern Kuala Lumpur. Most Kuala Lumpur tour packages will include attractions like the Petronas Towers (the tallest twin towers in the world). You must also visit Menara Kuala Lumpur, KLCC Park, ILHAM, National Visual Arts Gallery, Kampung Baru Gateway, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, National Mosque of Malaysia, and more. For shopping, you have the bustling markets of Jalan Alor, Chinatown, and Central Market. To enjoy some time in nature, you can visit the Heritage Park in the city, Perdana Botanical Garden.
Penang
An island city of Malaysia, Penang is a must-visit place of this Southeast Asian country. Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most significant part of Penang. There are plenty of things to do here, but going on a Georgetown Walking tour would be the best. During the guided tour, you will be taken around the most important landmarks and sections of the city, including Penang Town Hall, Fort Cornwallis, the Blue Mansion, and more. Going on a food tour and roaming around the town on a trishaw are some other great things to do here. Your visit to Penang cannot be complete without a visit to Penang Hill. You can either take the funicular or hike up the hill to reach its top. Here, you can visit attractions like Penang Hill Gallery, Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Hindu Temple, Penang Hill Mosque, and more. Penang National Park with its gorgeous beaches and verdant green forest is also worth visiting.
Langkawi
March brings the perfect beach weather in the country, and hence Langkawi is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia in March. Located off the east coast of the country, Langkawi is a group of 99 islands, each of them dotted with powdery, white sand beaches and verdant forests. The best thing to do here is go island hopping. Apart from this, there are plenty of beaches where you can relax and soak in the beauty of the sand and the sea. If you are looking for adventures, most beaches here offer an array of water sports. You can also enjoy a variety of wildlife here, as Langkawi is full of nature or geo parks that preserve the rainforests, waterfalls, mangroves, and mountains of the island. Riding on the Langkawi Cable Car and walking on the Sky Bridge are two of the most important things to do in Langkawi.
Cameron Highlands
A popular hill station in Malaysia, Cameron Highlands is a place you must visit when the weather in the cities like Kuala Lumpur becomes too hot to handle. The star attraction of Cameron Highlands is its tea plantations. You can choose to tour one of the many tea estates, where you will be able to get to know about tea, right from tea farming to tea-making. You will also get to taste freshly brewed tea at the end of the tour. This place is also great for people who love hiking, as you will find several hiking trails that give you a beautiful view of the entire place. Exploring the flora and fauna of the Mossy Forest, visiting a strawberry farm, checking out the Butterfly Farm, and roaming around the Night Market are the interesting things you can do in Cameron Highlands.
Mount Kinabalu National Park
Spread around 754 square kilometers, Mount Kinabalu National Park is in Malaysia and Borneo. It is home to the mighty Mount Kinabalu, which stands at the height of 4095 meters. The most popular activity here is hiking up the mountain, which takes around 2 days. It is mandatory to go for a guided hiking tour, as the terrains here are challenging. But the chance to see different types of landscapes and check out a variety of flora and fauna makes it worth the effort. Apart from hiking, Mount Kinabalu is known for the Poring Hot Springs, which are natural sulfur hot springs that offer numerous health benefits to the body. Apart from this, the Butterfly Farm, the Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens, and the Kipungit Waterfall are the attractions of Mount Kinabalu National Park.
Malaysia Festivals and Events in March
East Wind Festival
The Perils East Wind Festival is one of the most important festivals that happens in Malaysia in March. It is a festival that marks the beginning of a comparatively drier climate in Malysia from its moderate climate. It involves lots of fun games and competitions, including fishing competitions, tractor decoration, buffalo races, and more.
When: Dates change every year
Where: Venue changes every year
Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
As the name suggests, this festival involves hot air balloons. Around 20 hot air balloons are displayed during this festival. What makes it unique is that you would get to see some unusual designs of hot air balloons apart from the regular ones. You may get to see hot air balloons shaped like elephants, clown, octopus, Minion, and more.
When: Dates change every year
Where: Precinct 2, Putrajaya
Travel Tips to Visit Malaysia in March
- Although March is considered as shoulder season in Malaysia, it is important to book your hotel and flight reservations well in advance, especially if you are visiting the eastern side of the country.
- While there are no restrictions when it comes to dressing, it is best to dress modestly, as Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country. This becomes an important rule when you are visiting religious places like mosques and temples.
- As the humidity is quite high in March, do not forget to keep yourself hydrated. Apart from water, drinking coconut water would also be a good idea.
- Do not drink tap water. Always drink bottled or filtered water.
- When exploring hawker markets, choose food stalls that have the largest crowd. Usually, these stalls would have the best food.
- It is important to use insect repellent every time you step out to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
Things to Know Before Visiting Malaysia in March
What to Pack for Malaysia in March
As the weather is going to be humid in March, light-weight clothes are a must in your suitcase. Moreover, as it may rain anytime in cities like Kuala Lumpur, do not forget to pack your rain gear, i.e., umbrella, raincoat, or both. Swimwear and sarongs for beach or pool wear are essential. For protection from the sun, do not forget to pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. For footwear, a pair of sturdy shoes for your walking expeditions and flipflops for your beach wear is a must. If you are going to do some serious hiking, you must pack your hiking boots. In case you are planning to visit high altitude places like Cameron Highlands and Mount Kinabalu, some thermal wear or warm clothes are needed. A wet bag to carry your raincoat or umbrella is also required.
What to Wear in Malaysia in March
Choose clothes with lightweight fabric like linen for exploring Malaysia in March. This will help you to keep yourself cool in the humid climate. It is best to avoid short or revealing clothes like spaghetti tops, shorts, tank tops, and crop tops. Even men should ensure that their clothing covers their body from their shoulders to their knees. You can wear swimsuits at the beach but ensure that they are not too revealing. You can carry your sarongs, but it is not appropriate to wear them while outside the beach or pool area. You will have to walk a lot of while sightseeing in Malaysia, so make sure to wear good quality walking shoes.
Getting Around Malaysia in March
There are different ways to travel in Malaysia. The best way to travel between East Malaysia to Malaysian Peninsula is by flight. There are several low-cost flights that would take you from one part of the country to the other. To travel within Malaysian Peninsula, you can opt for both trains and buses. If you are planning to travel to remote areas and smaller towns in Malaysia, renting a car would be a good idea. For traveling within Kuala Lumpur, you can opt for MRT, a reliable and efficient public transportation system. Cabs are also available in most cities in the country.
Where to Stay in Malaysia in March
When it comes to accommodation, Malaysia offers everything from hostels to luxury hotels and resorts. Budget travelers can choose to stay at a dormitory in a hostel, lodge, or guesthouse. These kinds of accommodation are available in almost all the major cities in Malaysia. Here, you will have to share a room with other travelers. There are also plenty of hotels, which include budget hotels, mid-range hotels, and luxury hotels or resorts. If you want to know more about the life and culture of the locals, you can choose to stay in homestays. At homestays, you can interact with the locals and eat authentic, home cooked Malaysian food.
What to Eat in Malaysia in March
Malaysian cuisine is inspired by Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. As Malaysia was colonized by the British, Thai, and Portuguese, you will find these influences in their food as well. The cuisine of Malaysia is quite like Indonesian cuisine, and Malaysia shares a lot of similar dishes with its neighboring country. Some of the best foods you can try here are at the hawker streets. Here are the foods that you must try when in Malaysia: Nasi Lemak, Ayam Goreng, Nasi Tumpang, Roti Jala, Sup Kambing, Nasi Kerabu, Rendang, Lemang, Pecal, Char Kway Teow, Roti Canai, Pisai Goreng, and more
FAQs About Visiting Malaysia in March
1. Which is the best region in Malaysia to visit in March?
The east coast of Malaysia is the best place to travel in March, as it remains drier than the Malaysian Peninsula during this month.
2. Is it safe to swim in the beaches of Malaysia in March?
Yes, the beaches in Malaysia are safe to swim and enjoy water sports in March.
3. Do I need a Malaysia visa?
Yes, all foreign nationals need a Malaysia visa to visit the country. You can easily get Malaysia tourist visa online.
4. Is it expensive to travel to Malaysia in March?
Yes, holiday in Malaysia in March is quite cheaper as compared to the peak tourist time. You will find budget-friendly rates for accommodation and flights as well.
5. Do I need to know about any travel restrictions while traveling to Malaysia in March?
While there are no specific travel restrictions in March, it is always best to check the rules and regulations before you visit Malaysia, as travel restrictions can change overnight.
Conclusion
March is a good time to visit Malaysia. You can enjoy good weather, less crowds, and great prices. If you are planning a holiday in Malaysia in March, let us know in the comments.
